When Accidental Injuries Result In Long-Term Disabilities
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
Sometimes, accidents cause horrible injuries. If the accident leaves you with a disability and no one to blame but fate, it can be frustrating. But even if no one caused your accident, you might be eligible to receive long-term disability benefits.
It can be overwhelming to adjust to living life with a long-term disability, for you and your family. For more general information about living with a disability, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Types of disabilities
There are two classifications of disabilities: short and long-term. Some accidents mean you can’t work for a month or two while you heal, while others render you completely unable to work. A disability becomes long-term after it has lasted for one year.
Permanent disabilities affect you for the rest of your life and often require long-term medical care, which can get pricey.
What injuries result in long-term disabilities
Not every injury causes permanent damage. Some cause problems that surface every so often, while others heal completely. However, some types of injuries are more likely than others to cause long-term issues.
Head injuries sometimes result in severe traumatic brain injuries. Depending on which part of the brain was damaged, you might lose motor function, have difficulties speaking, or have memory problems.
Falls, car accidents, and sports are some of the top causes of TBIs. If you hit your head, see a doctor as soon as possible to mitigate the damage.
Spinal cord injuries almost always result in some paralysis. In addition to losing the ability to work, you might need to alter your home and car and learn to use a motorized wheelchair.
Injuries to the eye can also result in partial or complete blindness. Protect your eyes by wearing goggles when working with glass or sawing wood or metal.
Disability benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers different benefits to help support disabled people who can no longer work. There are several steps to complete before you begin receiving benefits.
You are only eligible for social security disability benefits if you or your spouse have paid enough into the SSA’s long-term disability insurance. If you’re ineligible for disability benefits through the SSA, they also offer the Social Security Income option for low-income families.
You’ll need to check if your disability qualifies you to receive benefits. The SSA has a long list of types of injuries and illnesses that are accepted. However, if your condition is not listed, you can still apply but will need to prove your injury prevents you from working.
Consider working with a disability attorney when you apply to ensure your application is successful.
Where did the accident happen?
If the accident occurred at work, you might be covered under workers’ compensation, even if your employer wasn’t negligent. Workers’ compensation may provide you with some pay benefits, especially if you are unable to continue working, or cannot earn as much as a result of an accident at work.
Accidental death
An accidental death in the family means you’ll have to wade through a lot of paperwork. Dealing with the insurance company, police, and life insurance company can be overwhelming.
Working with a diligent disability lawyer can make all the difference in these trying circumstances. Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. has experience in workers’ compensation, disability, and accidental lawsuits.
One of our senior partners, Eileen Kroll, was a registered nurse before becoming a trial attorney. With her exceptional understanding of medical law, you can be confident that your case will get a fair trial.
Call 866-MICH-LAW to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. we do not charge you a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf, so you can rest assured that we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.
